Hairy Mountain Tea
sideritis hirsuta
Also known as: ["Hairy Ironwort","Hairy Shepherd's Tea"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to Mediterranean regions, known for its hairy stems and leaves and small yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Sideritis |
| Botanical Name: | Sideritis hirsuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock garden, xeriscaped area, or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun during peak heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, rocky or sandy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), humid (60–70%), and bright indirect light with some air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or blackened stems in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat for potted plants; cover outdoor plants during frost events.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSideritis hirsuta is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicSideritis hirsuta is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicSideritis hirsuta is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and topical use.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sideritis hirsuta used in traditional medicine?
A: Yes, it is commonly used to make herbal teas believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How should I care for Sideritis hirsuta?
A: It prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and moderate watering.
Q: Does Sideritis hirsuta attract wildlife?
A: It can attract pollinators such as bees due to its flowers, but it is not a primary wildlife attractant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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